“It’s about observing a situation—a process, object or place—and believing it can be better.”
David Rockwell, FAIA, has long harbored a fascination with immersive environments. He grew up in the theater—his mother, a vaudeville dancer and choreographer, often cast him in community repertory productions. But when he was 12, David’s family had a dramatic scene change, moving from Deal, New Jersey to Guadalajara, Mexico. There he discovered a whole new world of vibrant marketplaces, street life, and public spaces.
David founded Rockwell Group in 1984.
The 300-person award winning, cross-disciplinary architecture and design practice is based in New York City, with satellite offices in Madrid and Los Angeles.
David is inspired not only by theater and public space, but also technology and finely wrought craft, to create a unique narrative for every project.
After training in architecture at Syracuse University and the Architectural Association in London, David brought his passion for theater and artistic eye for the color and spectacle of Mexico to his profession. Today, his work ranges from restaurants, hotels, airport terminals, and hospitals, to festivals, museum exhibitions, and Broadway sets.
Honors include the AIANY President’s Award; the National Design Award from the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum for outstanding achievement in Interior Design; two Emmy Awards; a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design for She Loves Me; the Pratt Legends Award; the Presidential Design Award; induction into the James Beard Foundation Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America; inclusion in Architectural Digest’s AD 100 Hall of Fame; Interior Design magazine’s Icon Award; and recognition by Fast Company as one of the most innovative design practices in their annual World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies issue.
Known for his commitment to charitable organizations, David currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) and as a board member of Citymeals on Wheels, New York Restoration Project, and the American Theatre Wing.